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Articular cartilage changes in chondromalacia patellae
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Early chondromalacia patellae lesions may heal through cartilage or fibrous metaplasia. This cellular repair process in the patellar cartilage may explain the resolution of clinical symptoms in patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Histopathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chondromalacia patellae is a condition affecting the cartilage under the kneecap.
- The natural healing mechanisms of early patellar cartilage lesions are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular and matrix changes in early chondromalacia patellae.
- To explore potential healing mechanisms in damaged articular cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Histological, autoradiographic, and electron microscopy examination of articular cartilage samples from 21 adult patellae.
- Analysis focused on areas of chondromalacia on the medial and "odd" facets.
Main Results:
- Observed surface fibrillation, reduced matrix staining, and decreased 35SO4 labeling in superficial cartilage zones.
- Identified "fibrous metaplasia" with chondrocyte division and surface smoothing in 10 cases.
- Detected scattered chondrocyte replication in surrounding intact cartilage.
Conclusions:
- Early chondromalacia patellae lesions show signs of repair via cartilage or fibrous metaplasia.
- Chondrocyte replication and metaplasia may represent a healing response in patellar cartilage.
- These repair processes could account for the clinical resolution of symptoms.